Not every witch has access to metaphysical shops that sell specialty herbs, or herbs you can’t find in your local grocery store, so here is a list of common herbs and spices that you can easily access, or that you may already have!
Aside from obtaining these herbs and spices individually, look for bottles of poultry or beef seasoning, and other seasoning blends (Cajun, Italian, etc.) – they usually contain a variety of these herbs in one convenient container.
Allspice – prosperity, luck, healing, energy
Anise Seed – protection, happiness, enhanced psychic ability, cleansing, warding off nightmares and disturbing dreams
Marjoram – cleansing, purification, dispelling negative energy, protection, love, wealth, revealing the truth through dreams, overcoming sadness and grief
Witchy tips: dry your herbs using a nice stick and some string. It not only is beautiful and low budget, but if anyone asks about it you call tell them you saw it on Pinterest 🙂
Bonus: your room will smell like herbs and that’s awesome
I’ve been spending the last week assembling my very first herb witch starter kit!
My friend gave me this fantastic cubbyhole box and as soon as I saw it I knew what I’d be using it for.
This is my first attempt, so I don’t have everything I had my eye on yet, but it’s as complete as it’s going to be for the time being.
I have 54 herbs and resins in my kit, some that I purchased and others that I pilfered from my parents spice cabinet, or my own.
– Blessed Thistle – St. John’s Wort -Vervain
– Mugwort – White Horehound – Juniper Berries
– Lady’s Mantle – Motherwort – Damiana
– Red Clover – Calendula Petals – Gardenia Fruits
– Agrimony – Mullien Leaves – Licorice Root
– Honeysuckle – Nettle Leaf – Dandelion Leaf
– Ground Ivy – Buckwheat Herb – Jamaican Dogwood
– Lavender – Chamomile – Hibiscus
– Neem Powder – Rose Petals – Pink Himalayan Salt
– Jasmine Flowers – Linseed – Fennel
– Black Salt – Paprika – Chilli Flakes
– Safflower – Cardamon – Tumeric
-Cinnamon Sticks – Thyme – Oregano
– Rosemary – Parsley – Basil
– Mulukhiya – Chives – Nutmeg
– Ground Cumin – Ground Ginger – Cayenne Pepper
-Ground Chia – Dammar Resin – Amber Resin
– Vatican Mix – 4-Star Resin – Frankincense
You can probably tell which ones came from my kitchen and which ones I bought. I’m having a lot of fun reading up on elixirs, spells and teas you can make with these herbs as well as planning out my herb grimoire. If anyone has any tips for a baby herb witch send them my way please, I have so much to learn!
Folklore: First cultivated and used in the East, Cinnamon was burned to purify the temple. It also promotes health, vigor and libido.
Main magickal uses: Clairvoyance, consecration, divination, energy, good luck, love, money, passion, peace, prosperity, protection, psychic development, success Other magickal uses: communication, happiness, harmony, healing, inspiration, knowledge, meditation, purification, spirituality, tranquility, wisdom Lore: Paul Beyerl suggests that cinnamon be paired with tourmaline for best effect. Cinnamon is important as a purification incense in China. Do not use externally on the body, as it irritates the skin.
Protection The sun is typically seen as representing male or active energy and since cinnamon is a sun-related ingredient it is thought to be useful in protection magic. For a simple cinnamon protection amulet, tie nine cinnamon sticks together and hang the bundle above your door to protect your home from from unwanted people and energies. Laying cinnamon sticks along your window sill will serve the same purpose.
Prosperity Financial and personal prosperity are also related to the sun’s active energy. Cinnamon sticks combined with other “prosperity” ingredients such as whole cloves, ginger and orange sections can be used as a simmering potpourri to help boost your efforts in job hunting, getting a raise or making general improvements to your financial status.
Love Because of its hot, fiery nature, cinnamon is a natural ally for love and sex magic. Try turning up the heat in your love life by grinding cinnamon sticks into a chunky powder and burning the powder as incense along with equal parts of red sandalwood and myrrh. Or simply place a stick of cinnamon under your lover’s pillow and see what happens.
SPELL: Money Talisman
YOU WILL NEED:
Five pumpkinseeds
Three Cinnamon sticks
One dollar bill
Green cloth
Green candle
Cinnamon or basil oil
Green ribbon
SPELLWORK
On a Friday during the waxing moon, assemble all your ingredients at dusk. Take the candle and rub (prosperity, basil, or cinnamon) oil into it while focusing on your bills and debts being paid, see them being paid, picture your self writing checks and smiling all the way to the bank. Light the candle and take the green cloth, add the pumpkin seeds, Cinnamon sticks, and the dollar bill and fold three times, tie with ribbon. Chant while you work and focus on money coming towards you;
Dollar bill, work your will. Pumpkinseeds do your deeds. Cinnamon sticks, do the trick, Bring needed money & bring it quick
Repeat three times burn candle for nine minutes. Keep Talisman near your wallet or purse, and bills to be paid. Expect money to come, know it will and it shall be.
The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years to the
Chinese, Greeks and Romans. Many cultures use flowers in their traditional
cooking, medicine, and magick.
Adding flowers to your food can be a nice way to add color, flavor
and a little magickal whimsy. Some are spicy, and some herbaceous, while others
are floral and fragrant. The range is surprising. Flower petals can be
used in salads and as garnish for desserts, but they also inspire magickal
creative uses as well. Use them to make floral spirit water for rituals, as a
medicinal tea, or add to a healing spell or love potion…. the possibilities are endless.
TIPS FOR SAFE AND TASTY DINING:
Not all flowers are edible (those listed below are safe for consumption) – As lovely
as eating flowers can be, some can also be a little … deadly, so only
eat flowers
you know to be consumable — if you are uncertain, consult a reference book on
edible flowers and plants. (Always refer to the botanical name when verifying whether a flower is
safe to eat.)
Just
because a flower is edible doesn’t mean it will taste good. Some will be more to
your liking than others – it’s all a matter of taste. Keep in mind that the
stamen, pistil and sepal of some blossoms are bitter and can contain pollen
that may detract from the true flavor of the flower. Consuming only the
petals will further heighten the appeal factor.
Eat flowers you have grown yourself, or know to be safe for
consumption. Flowers from the florist or nursery have probably been treated
with pesticides or other chemicals.
Do
not eat roadside flowers or those picked in public parks. Both may have been treated with pesticide or
herbicide, and roadside flowers may be polluted by car exhaust.
Eat
only the petals, and remove pistils and
stamens before eating.
If
you suffer from allergies, introduce edible flowers gradually, as they may exacerbate allergies.
To
keep flowers fresh, place them on moist paper towels and refrigerate in an airtight
container. Some will last up to 10 days this way. Ice water can revitalize limp
flowers.
1, Allium
All blossoms from the allium family (leeks,
chives, garlic, garlic chives) are edible and flavorful. Flavors run the gamut from delicate leek to
robust garlic. Every part of these plants is edible. Garlic is masculine in nature and associated with the planet Mars, the element fire and the sign Aries. It is sacred to Hecate and is a suitable offering to her left at a crossroads. Garlic has antibiotic properties, but should
not be used directly on wounds or in poultices or salves because it can be
irritating to the skin and may inhibit blood clotting.
2. Angelica
Depending on the variety, flowers range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose
and have a licorice-like flavor. Believed to have
originated in Syria, angelica is now found just about everywhere. In ancient
times it was used to ward off the plague and evil and as a cure for poison and…
well, just about everything else.
Angelica is associated with the angels Michael and Gabriel.
It is aligned with the sun and the element of fire and sacred to Venus. Angelica tea is useful for colic, gas,
indigestion, hepatitis, heartburn, nausea, ulcers and various other digestive
ailments.
3. Anise Hyssop
Both flowers and leaves have a subtle anise or licorice flavor. Anise
is one of the oldest known plants that were grown for both culinary and
medicinal use. Anise is associated with the element of air, the God Apollo, the planets Mercury and Jupiter, and the astrological sign Gemini. Anise is also considered masculine.
4. Basil
Blossoms come in a variety of colors, from white to pink to lavender; flavor is
similar to the leaves, but milder. The word Basil comes from the Greeks, meaning
“King”. Basil is sacred to Vishnu, Tulasi and Erzulie, masculine in nature, and
associated with the element of fire and the planet Mars.
Basil helps steady the mind, brings happiness, love, peace, and money
and protects against insanity.
5. Calendula / Marigold
A great flower for eating, calendula blossoms are peppery, tangy, and spicy —
and their vibrant golden color adds a dash of magick to any dish. The
ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all loved calendula and used it for
culinary and healing purposes. During the medieval period it was considered a
cure for just about everything. Marigold is associated
with the Sun. Calendula
symbolizes love and constancy. It is great for wedding bouquets and
decorations. It is the traditional “he loves me, he loves me not”
flower and is useful for love potions. Dried
petals can be strewn to consecrate an area or burned in consecration incense.
They are also a good addition to dream pillows.
6. Carnations
Petals are sweet, once trimmed away from the base. The blossoms taste like
their sweet, perfumed aroma. In ancient Rome,
carnations were known as “Jove’s Flower” as a tribute to their beloved king of
the gods, Jupiter. Carnations are
masculine, associated with the Sun and Jupiter, and with the element fire. Those things that fall
under the rule of Jupiter are ideal for use in magickal applications related to
luck, money, good fortune, status, legal matters, fertility, friendship,
ambition, career, success and protection. The
flowers can be used to lend strength in healing applications. The practitioner
can also use carnation essential oils to increase health and vigor.
7. Chamomile
Small and daisy like, the flowers have a sweet flavor and are
often used in tea. Ragweed sufferers may be allergic to chamomile. The Romans used Chamomile for incense. Chamomile was used in ancient Egypt for
fevers and was dedicated to their Sun God Ra. Chamomile is associated with the sun, Leo and the element of water. It helps cleanse and invigorate
the throat chakra (5th). It is associated with
various Sun Gods, including Cernunnos,
Lugh and others. It is used
in spells for money, peace, love, tranquility and purification.
8. Chrysanthemum / Mum
A little bitter, mums come in a rainbow of colors and a range
of flavors range from peppery to pungent. Use only the petals. In Celtic folklore, chrysanthemums in the garden were considered a
meeting place for the faeries. Chrysanthemum
is masculine in nature and resonates with the
energy of the Sun and the element of fire. Chrysanthemum has been used
for burial rituals and is a suitable decoration for Samhain and for ancestral altars. The dried flower heads of
chrysanthemum can be burned during house blessings ceremonies.
9. Dandelion
The bright yellow
flowers should be gathered as soon as they open. Remove the green bits from the
base of the flower before using. These can be added to wines, vinegar or
jellies. The name dandelion comes from the French, “dent de lion” which
means “tooth of the lion”. The dandelion is
masculine in action and associated with the planet Jupiter, the element of air and both Pisces and Sagittarius.
It is also associated with any solar deity, Hecate, Brigid and Belenos. A tea of the flowers and leaves may be consumed to increase psychic ability, while pouring boiling water over a bowlful of roots
will aid in calling spirits. You can also make a
wish and blow the seeds off a dandelion head.
10. Lavender
Sweet, spicy, and perfumed, the flowers are a great addition
to both savory and sweet dishes. Some of the earliest
recorded uses of lavender are by the Roman soldiers who used the wild-growing
plant to perfume their bathwater and wash their clothes. Lavender is
masculine in action and associated with Mercury. It is also associated with the element of air and the astrological sign Virgo. It may be used as an asperging herb (to sprinkle water for purification purposes) and dried lavender sticks or wands can be burnt
like incense. It is also useful in spells to sharpen the mind, to
encourage or strengthen pure love and to encourage fertility. The scent of lavender is
relaxing and uplifting all at once making it a great aromatherapy for stressed
out or depressed individuals. Try adding some lavender oil to your bath or add
it to mild oil for a relaxing massage at the end of a hard day. Stuffing a
pillow with lavender buds may help insomniacs relax and fall asleep and soothes
headaches.
11. Oregano
The flowers are a pretty, subtle version of the leaf. Oregano is ruled by Venus and the element of air and
associated with Aphrodite. It is
used in spells for happiness, tranquility, luck, health, protection and letting
go of a loved one. It can also be used in spells to deepen existing love. When
worn on the head during sleep, it is said to promote psychic dreams. Oregano symbolizes
joy. Use it for rituals celebrating joyful occasions, or in spells to bring joy
into one’s life.
12. Rose
Remove the white, bitter base and the remaining petals have a
strongly perfumed flavor perfect for floating in drinks or scattering across
desserts, and for a variety of jams. All roses are edible, with flavor more pronounced
in darker varieties. From the time of Solomon, the rose has been the
flower most closely linked with love. The rose was sacred to Venus, the Roman
goddess of love, and was connected to her messenger, Cupid. Roses have
been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Roses are associated with Aphrodite, Adonis and Eros.
Rosewater is a protective agent worn on clothes. Rose petals can be added to
charms against the evil eye.
13. Rosemary
Flowers taste like a milder version of the herb; nice used as
a garnish on dishes that incorporate rosemary. The word Rosmarinus is from the Latin meaning “dew of
the sea”. Rosemary is also associated
with Aphrodite and appears in many ancient images of
Her. Rosemary was used to ward off evil spirits and nightmares. The wood was
used to make musical instruments. Rosemary is male in nature and ruled by Leo, the element fire and
the sun (or Moon,
depending who you ask). It’s sacred to Hebe, Aphrodite and the Virgin Mary. Rosemary can be used in spells
for fidelity and remembrance as well as to dispel jealousy. Rosemary is useful
for ritual baths, and for making
sacred herbal water for ritual cleansing, blessing and purification. Bathing in
rosemary will enhance your memory.
14. Sage
Blossoms have a subtle flavor similar to the leaves. Sage is
a hardy perennial of the mint family. The
Romans regarded sage quite highly and much sacrifice and ceremony was
associated with its harvest. They believed it stimulated the brain and memory
and used it to clean their teeth. Sage is masculine in nature and associated the element of air and
the planet Jupiter. Sage is
sacred to the Greek Zeus and Roman Jupiter. It is also a symbol of the
Virgin Mary. Sage is used in
magical workings for immortality, longevity, wisdom, protection and the
granting of wishes. Sage is also believed to help alleviate sorrow of the death
of a loved one.
15. Sunflower
Petals can be eaten, and the bud can be steamed like an
artichoke. Sunflower is associated with the sun and
all solar deities. Its essence helps balance the first chakra and also helps
with confidence in leadership roles. Sunflower
oil can be used as carrier oil for healing oils used in massages and ointments.
16. Violets
Another famous edible flower, violets are floral, sweet and
beautiful as garnishes. Use the flowers in salads and to garnish desserts and
drinks. In Roman mythology, violets were said to be
lesser goddesses who once dared to rival the beauty of Aphrodite, goddess of
love and beauty. Violets are affiliated
with the planet Venus or Pluto and are associated with the nymphs of ancient Greek myths. Violets are also
associated with death and rebirth through the story of Attis.
Violets are useful in love spells and may be carried as an amulet to increase one’s luck in love. Try
combining them with lavender for an enhanced effect.
Sources: HerbalRiot, Cheralyndarcey, Witches of the Craft, Inspirationforthespirit,
Infusions work best for making tea from leaves and flowers as these plant parts give up their active constituents easily.
Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 20 minutes so the therapeutic properties can pass from the herb into the water.
To make an infused oil put dried herbs in the top of a double-boiler, cover with oil about an inch over the herb (olive works well for this because it has a fairly long shelf life), let simmer for 2 hours without letting it get too hot or boiling, a temp of 150 F is good. Strain the oil into a clean jar, date & label. Without any preservatives, infused oil will last about a year.
Decoction
Teas made from roots and twigs are most often brewed by decoction because it is more difficult to extract their medicinal properties any other way.Boil or simmer 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb per cup of water for 10 to 20 minutes.
Poultice
A poultice is a paste of chopped, fresh (or dried and then remoistened) plant material which is applied directly to a wound or skin infection. It is held in place by a wet dressing covered by a bandage. Poultices are most often used to prevent infection and hasten healing.
To make a poultice, boil, steam, or pound the healing herb of your choice to release more medicinal compounds. Then shape the material into a small, coin-size wad which can then lie flat against the wound. Many herbalists recommend mixing 1 part herb with 3 parts water, alcohol, witch hazel or vinegar. Thicken with flour to make the poultice easier to handle and apply.
Tincture
Stuff dried herbs into a jar, add enough alcohol (usually vodka or everclear (Natural grain alcohol), depending on the strength needed for the particular herb) to amply cover the herbs, and screw the lid on. Allow the mixture to stand for about a week, shaking it occasionally. Then strain it, discard the plant material, and store the tincture in a bottle with a dropper lid. Label and date the bottle. Most tinctures have a shelf life of 2 years.
Maceration
To steep an herb in fat, such as done with salve and ointments. Best oils to use are almond and sesame. Warm one cup of oil over a low flame and place one-half ounce herbs wrapped in cheesecloth to soak. Continue until the herbs have lost their color and the oil is rich with their scent.
Wash
A tea or infusion meant only for external use. A mild form of a wash would be ¼ ounce of herb to one pint of boiling water, steeped until lukewarm, then applied. It would be good if you learned how to do all of these.
Ointment
2 oz solid fat -such as Crisco, coconut oil, cocoa butter or lanolin 5 oz herb infused olive or grape seed oil 2 oz herb infused water 1 tsp (approximately) beeswax -shave or grate before use 3-5 drops essential oil, if desired for fragrance or effect
Gently melt a solid fat, wax and oil over double boiler or carefully in microwave; use low heat and stir until blended. Remove from heat.
Put water into blender or mixer bowl and agitate. While water is spinning, slowly pour the oil, fat, wax mixture into the water. Continue mixing until emulsified. You may notice a distinct change of sound as the cream congeals. Remove cream, while still warm, into clean containers and leave open until completely cool. Label each jar with contents and date, be sure to note the date your herbal oil especially if it is much older than your cream. Store in a cool, dark place; should stay fresh for 6 months to a year. Sniff before using and look for mold after 6 months. If the oil and water separate, just stir before using.
Compress
~ Roots, Bark, Twigs & Leaves~
Make a compress by dipping a clean cloth in an herbal solution – an infusion, decoction, tincture, or herbal vinegar. You can hold a poultice in place with a compress, in which case it doubles as a bandage. or, apply the compress directly to the skin (also called a fomentation).
Hello! I’ve decided to post a little tea/potion recipe. This is for when you are having a hard time falling asleep or when you need to relax/calm anxiety. Enjoy!
What you’ll need:
✨ chamomile – peace, tranquility
✨ passion fruit flower petals – sleep, relaxation
✨ lavender – calmness
✨ honey – happiness (optional)
*make sure to look up side effects if you have any certain medical conditions.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional herbalist or physician. Always consult with your private physician when considering herbal supplements. If your doctor recommends you take any of these herbs, do not discontinue use. If you are concerned, speak with your doctor about the possible side effects and use additional birth control measures. Once again, this is not professional advice. I am simply sharing what I have learned in my own research.
I have seen a lot of excellent posts out there with people recommending natural herbal remedies for a whole host of maladies. While I am a firm believer in holistic medicine, herbal supplements can have some serious side effects. One that I think is incredibly important to learn is the interaction of some herbs with hormonal therapies such as birth control and hormone replacement.
Here is a short and incomplete list of popular herbal supplements that can interact negatively with hormonal prescriptions (Feel free to add more):
St. John’s Wort recorded cases of unintended pregnancies when taken with birth control
Fenugreek blocks the absorption of medications, including birth control
Black Cohosh creates hormonal interaction with birth control and hormone replacement therapy
Blue Cohosh while I didn’t find anything specifically about interactions with birth control, it appears to cause uterine contractions and was used to induce labor, or abort early pregnancies. Because of it’s effects on the reproductive system, it may be unwise to take concurrently with any hormonal prescription.
Fennel may decrease effectiveness of hormonal birth control and estrogen therapies
Hops may interact negatively with hormonal birth control
Licorice taken medicinally, affects reproductive hormones, steer clear if on birth control or hormone replacement therapy
Soy while not an herb, can imitate estrogen, thus interfering with hormonal medications
Red Clover may decrease effectiveness of birth control and hormone replacement therapy
Research your climate zone [usa] [ca]. Buy plants that are recommended for your climate zone.
Note the sunniness of where you are going to grow your plants.
no direct sun at all (still needs ambient light) = full shade
sun in morning/evening shade for rest of the day = part shade
sun all day = full sun
shade in morning/sun for rest of the day = sunny, part sun
follow these guidelines:
south window = sunny, part sun, sometimes full sun
east window = part shade
west window = part shade
north window = full shade
sun bulbs can be purchased to encourage indoor growth.
indoor plants used to low light might easily burn and dehydrate if left in full sun for too long, even if they are normally hardy plants.
soil & drainage
basic potting soil or gardening soil is “universal” for almost all plants.
major exception:
cactus & succulents = rocky, sandy, succulent soil is necessary for proper drainage
all plants need proper drainage or else they will ‘drown’. Choose only containers with holes in the bottom. Use a thin layer of rocks and/or gravel at the bottom of containers to ensure the hole is not clogged with soil.
watering
water less = cooler, cloudy, low wind, humid, rainy.
water more = warmer, sunny, windy, dry, no rain.
note the type of container you have used.
dries out more slowly, water less = metal, plastic, glazed ceramic, light colors in sunlight, nonporous.
dries out more quickly, water more = terracotta, wood, moss, dark colors in sunlight, porous.
indoor gardeners, plants with smaller root systems need less water. Watering them more will drown them; not encourage them to grow. The roots cannot drain the soil and the water will sit, drowning the tender root system 😦 this applies primarily to container gardening.
no need to water daily. water when the plant tells you it is ready:
its leaves droop (aim to water a day before this hits!)
it begins to stop being glossy and starts looking a bit drab
the soil is dry 1 to 2 inches down
the pot is lighter because the soil is dry (lift pots before and after watering to compare)
you want your plant’s root ball to be moist.
when roots dry, they shrink, pulling away from the edges of the pot.
when you add water to the pot, it follows the path of least resistance around the edges of the pot, straight past the root system.
to fix this, soak the plant once in water. then, water again.
if a plant is not seeming to be hydrated no matter how much you water, it is possible all your water is draining off to the sides and never reaching the actual root ball. to fix:
soak thoroughly in water several times.
place your container in a tray of water and let osmosis or whatever suck that water right up straight to the root.
avoid frequent, small waterings. this encourages the plant’s roots to grow too close to the surface. It is best to thoroughly water plants then let them dry out slightly before you water again (no need to let the leaves droop or anything – just wait until the plant is ready again, as described above).
getting a plant from a nursery
choose smaller plants as long as they are healthy.
smaller plant = smaller root system, healthy.
larger plant = big root system, curled and unhealthy in small commercial pot.
young plants with fruit or flowers = prematurely grown, highly stressed, unhealthy.
healthy plants have several identifiable traits.
they are colorful and lush
they are firm and do not have mushy stems or leaves
they have thick white roots
they are free of brown, white, or yellow spots
they are free of bug bites and infestation
transplanting a new plant to a pot
get the right sized pot.
too big = easily drown plant in soil that cannot drain.
too small = root system curls in an unhealthy way, not properly sized.
the “right sized” pot is based on the current size and future growth of the plant.
if a plant is 10-12 inchestall, give it an 8 inch diameter pot.
if the plant is 2-3 feet tall, give it a 24 inch diameter pot.
with a new nursery plant, get a container giving about 2 extra inches on each side of the plant.
get a container tall enough that you can have 2 inches of soil at the bottom of the container, a plant, and one inch of space between the topsoil and the lip of the container. This gives you plenty of room to water!
ensure your drainage hole is properly covered with mesh or a stone to prevent soil from falling out or clogging it.
moisten your potting soil if it is really dry. Mix some in a pail or bucket with water until it has the texture of a squeezed sponge.
ensure the nursery plant is damp enough to transplant. If the soil is too dry the root system will not hold the dirt together and everything will just fall apart (!!!). Soak your nursery plant for 30 minutes in water.
fill the space around the plant with potting soil, leaving one inch of free container space above the plant.
although the soil and plant should both be damp, you must now water your transplanted baby to ensure all air pockets are eliminated and that the soil has settled around the root ball.
even if plant is “full sun” do not simply place a young plant right outside for hours and hours. “Harden off” plants by slowly introducing them to the sun for an hour at a time and progressing over a course of days until they are ready for full sun.
enjoy plants :3
extensively plagiarized from Container Gardening for Dummies
teakepp 